Piri Piri Shrimp

Authentic Piri Piri Shrimp Recipe from Portugal with Coconut Milk and California Avocados

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 3 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Piri Piri Shrimp is a flavorful and spicy dish that originates from Portugal. The dish features succulent shrimp marinated in a spicy and aromatic sauce, then grilled to perfection. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.

History

Piri Piri Shrimp gets its name from the piri piri pepper, also known as the African bird's eye chili. This pepper is widely used in Portuguese cuisine to add heat and flavor to dishes. The marinade for the shrimp typically includes garlic, herbs, and spices, along with the piri piri pepper, giving the dish its signature spicy kick.

Ingredients

18.8 or larger shrimp
1 tbsp garlic, chopped
1 can coconut milk
2 tbsp canola oil
0.75 cup sambal oelek or chile garlic sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sauce
1 cup cilantro, chopped
4 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp corn syrup
2 cup water
0.25 cup lime juice
1 tbsp mint, chopped
1 tbsp epazote, chopped
1.5 Fresh california avocados peeled, seeded and mashed
0.25 tsp kosher salt

How to prepare

Marinate the shrimp for at least 3 hours. Grill and serve with sorbet.
To make the marinade, sauté the garlic in the oil until golden.
Add the remaining ingredients except cilantro.
Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
Turn off the heat and add the cilantro.
Let it steep for about 20 minutes.
Strain the mixture and cool it until ready to marinate.
To make the sorbet, heat the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a sauce pot and bring it to a boil.
Put it in the refrigerator or in a water bath to chill.
In a blender, combine the simple syrup liquid with the remaining ingredients and puree until smooth.
Put the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the directions.

Variations

For a milder version, reduce the amount of piri piri pepper in the marinade.
Add diced pineapple or mango to the marinade for a tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the shrimp for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Grill the shrimp over high heat for a short amount of time to prevent overcooking.

- Serve the shrimp with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Piri Piri Shrimp over a bed of rice or with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling is the preferred method for cooking Piri Piri Shrimp, as it adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find piri piri peppers, you can substitute with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the shrimp ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Piri Piri Shrimp on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a wedge of lime for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Piri Piri Shrimp with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to complement the spicy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Piri Piri Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Piri Piri Shrimp is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp)

Summary

Piri Piri Shrimp is a high-protein dish that is also rich in vitamins and minerals. However, it is also high in fats and carbohydrates, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Piri Piri Shrimp is a delicious and spicy dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. With its flavorful marinade and succulent shrimp, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy the heat and flavor of this Portuguese-inspired dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria in Portugal. She had invited me over for lunch and as we sat down at the table, she brought out a steaming plate of Piri Piri Shrimp. The aroma that wafted from the dish was absolutely intoxicating.

I watched as Maria effortlessly peeled the succulent shrimp and marinated them in a spicy Piri Piri sauce. The sauce itself was a vibrant shade of red, with hints of garlic, lemon, and of course, the fiery Piri Piri peppers. As I took my first bite, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, and the sauce added just the right amount of heat.

I begged Maria to teach me how to make this dish and she graciously agreed. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping peppers, mincing garlic, and marinating the shrimp. She shared with me the secret to making the perfect Piri Piri sauce - the balance of heat, acidity, and sweetness is key. As we cooked together, she told me stories of her grandmother, who had taught her this recipe many years ago.

Maria's grandmother was a formidable cook, known throughout the village for her delicious dishes. She had learned the art of cooking from her own mother, who had passed down recipes through generations. The Piri Piri Shrimp recipe was one of their family's prized possessions, a closely guarded secret that had been handed down for centuries.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria shared with me the importance of tradition and family in Portuguese cuisine. She told me how each dish carried with it a story, a memory of times gone by. The Piri Piri Shrimp, with its bold flavors and rich history, was no exception.

After my visit to Portugal, I returned home with a newfound appreciation for the culinary arts. I began experimenting in my own kitchen, trying out different variations of the Piri Piri Shrimp recipe. I added my own twist to it, incorporating ingredients that reminded me of my own heritage.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there until it was just right. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about the bold flavors and unique combination of ingredients. The Piri Piri Shrimp became my signature dish, one that I was proud to pass down to future generations.

As I look back on that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from a master chef. The Piri Piri Shrimp recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And so, I continue to cook and share this dish with loved ones, keeping alive the tradition that was passed down to me. For in every bite of Piri Piri Shrimp, there is a taste of history, a connection to the past that will never be forgotten.